The boards of directors of Lafarge and Holcim have agreed that Eric Olsen (pictured) will become chief executive of the combined company.  Â
Olsen is currently Lafarge’s executive vice-president of operations and has held many positions in the company. He will be in office as from the closing of the merger.
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LafargeHolcim new chief executive, Eric Olsen
Wolfgang Reitzle, chairman of the Holcim board and future co-chairman of LafargeHolcim, said: "I very much welcome Eric Olsen as future chief executive of LafargeHolcim.   Â
"With his broad international experience and insights in key markets, he is best positioned to lead the combined company for the benefit of employees, shareholders and customers."Â Â Â
Bruno Lafont, Lafarge chief executive and future LafargeHolcim co-chairman, said: "Eric has been proposed as future chief executive of LafargeHolcim both for his personal and professional qualities. He has a deep knowledge of our activities, clients and markets.  Â
"He is driven, with energy and determination. He is a true leader, with the ability to bring the teams together to drive a strong value creation culture for our shareholders. I have every confidence in his ability to deliver the synergies announced and ensure the development and the success of LafargeHolcim."Â Â Â
In March this year it was announced that the merger would not go ahead "in its present form", since then merger terms have been revised.  Â
The combined company would have sales of about $33.8bn. The transaction is expected to close in July this year. Â
Image: Holcim Cement Distribution, New Zealand (Holcim)